Debus open to asbestos changes

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The NSW Government is willing to consider changing the asbestos
compensation system, says a spokesman for the Attorney-General, Bob
Debus.

"There are a couple of proposals on the table to streamline the
process to the benefit of all parties, and the Government is open
to looking at those proposals, but would stop short of anything
that shortchanged asbestos victims," he said.

The issue was raised on Sunday by the ACTU secretary, Greg
Combet, who is representing the Government in talks to resolve the
James Hardie funding crisis.

A sticking point in the negotiations is how to reduce legal and
administrative costs.

James Hardie has proposed a two-tiered system, with initial
compensation offers made by a panel set up by the company. A judge
would be involved only if a claimant lodged an appeal.

Asbestos support groups are concerned that such a system could
affect claimants's rights.

Mr Combet has flagged an alternative that would encourage faster
out-of-court settlements, but keep the size of damages under court
supervision.

He said the Government could introduce such a system
irrespective of the outcome of the talks with James Hardie. Any
broad changes would reduce legal and administrative costs for a
range of defendants in asbestos cases, including James Hardie's
rival CSR, large users of asbestos such as power utilities and
construction companies, and insurers.

Mr Combet said James Hardie was trying to dictate the terms of a
new system and seeking "a windfall reward for its appalling
corporate behaviour".